asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a farmer who obtains the £500 Land Commission loan cannot then borrow the additional money required towards the erection of a new house from the local authority, as both bodies insist on a first charge on the holding concerned; and if he can have an arrangement come to whereby the local authority could assist the farmer in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Loans and Grants for Farmers.
27.
A local authority must, before making a loan for the erection of a house, satisfy themselves that "the title to the ownership is one which an ordinary mortgagee would be willing to accept". The interpretation of this requirement is a matter for the local authority concerned. I am, however, having the position examined in connection with the new Housing Bill to see whether there would be any general advantage in extending the present provisions regarding security for such loans.
28.
asked the Minister for Local Government when he expects that his Department will be in a position to pay the new rates of grants for private house building to the farmers who qualify for the increased grants; and when he proposes to authorise the local authorities to do likewise.
Provision has been included in the Department's Vote for the current financial year for the payment of these grants as they mature. The statutory authority for the payment by local authorities of the corresponding supplementary grants will be included in the new Housing Bill.
When the Minister indicates to the local authorities that these increased supplementary grants are payable, will he bear in mind that following the 12 per cent wage increase, many wage-earners have been put outside the scope of supplementary grants and will he consider raising the level at which local authorities may pay these grants? This increase in wages and salaries was compensation for cost of living increases only and was not intended to be included in the qualifying figure for supplementary grants.
I do not think it arises on the question.